YMCA Family Literacy Week

January 27, 20121:05 PM PST

Joshua Nanavaty & Paul Albi

On Wednesday, January 25th Vancouver Whitecaps FC visited the Langara Family YMCA to participate in Family Literacy Week. Goalkeeper Joe Cannon, club ambassador Carl Valentine and Vancouver Whitecaps FC mascot Spike read stories to approximately 75 children followed by a soccer match

“This was a great opportunity for the kids to meet some of the soccer players they idolize,” stated Nadia Gormley manager of the Langara Family YMCA.

YMCA Family Literacy Week is a national annual celebration where families are encouraged to read and learn together. Started in 1999, thousands of Canadians take part in the celebration each year through various literacy activities. “Literacy is a huge part of what we do here at the YMCA,” said Gormley.

“These kids might not know it yet but reading opens so many doors. It’s for this reason that I absolutely loved participating in this cause,” said Cannon.